Johnie Fred Givens passed away at his home in Havana, Florida on April 28, 2013. He was born December 27, 1933 in Dothan, Alabama to Johnny M. Givens and Opal Holman Givens, the middle son among five boys.

At six weeks old, his family moved to Tallahassee. He remained in Tallahassee throughout his life, until his retirement in 1995. At that time he and his wife, Maxine Givens moved to Havana, Florida where they resided until his passing.

Fred is survived by his wife of nearly 50 years, Maxine Hall Givens; one daughter, Deni Clayton (Ed); one son, Greg Givens; one granddaughter, Amy Cook (the light of his life), all of Tallahassee; one grandson, Jess Cook (Jackie); four great-grandchildren, Dylan Cook; Brandon Cook; Lauren Cook; and Layla Cook of Crawfordville, FL. Also, surviving him are four brothers, Billy Givens; Jimmy Givens (Hilda); Jack Givens (Margie) and Bobby Givens (Yolanda); all of Tallahassee. Additional survivors include, one sister-in-law, Kaye Hall of Havana, FL and one brother-in law, Daryl Hall (Janet) of Orlando. Additional special family members include Judy and Carlei Atkinson of Tallahassee and numerous nieces and nephews.

Fred graduated from Leon High School in 1952 where he proved himself to be quite the athlete, on the football field and basketball court, earning letters in both.

Soon after graduation from high school, he joined the U.S. Air Force and served during the Korean War. He was assigned to McClellan Air Force Base in California where he flew on a Super Constellation Air Craft. There he flew off the west coast of the United States performing early warning missions under the program Warning Star. He was honorably discharged in 1957. Upon his discharge, he enrolled at Florida State University, and graduated in 1961 with a BA degree in Finance. He began his career shortly after graduation, with the FDIC. After eight years of extensive travel as a Federal Bank Examiner, and wanting to be at home with his family, he took a position with the Florida Department of Education, in Tallahassee. He remained with the Department of Education until his retirement in 1995.

Fred had a love of all sports, which began as a young boy while playing at the Doug Burnett Park in Tallahassee. He made many friends there, and has remained friends with many of them, throughout the years. He and his four brothers played fast pitch baseball during the late 1950’s and early 1960’s with the various City League teams. He always had a very competitive spirit and determined attitude, whether playing a ball game or just living life.

His intense love of sports and the Florida State Seminoles led him to become a member of the Seminole Boosters in 1964. He remained a loyal member and fan until his passing.

Fred was beloved by many and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

A Visitation was held Wednesday, May 1, 2012 from 5:00 – 7:00 pm at Bevis Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held Thursday, May 2, 2013 at 11:00 am at Bevis Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Oakland Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Lighthouse Children’s Home or Big Bend Hospice. Bevis Funeral Home (850) 385-2193, www.bevisfh.com, is in charge of the arrangements.